THE Ireland border issue could derail Brexit negotiations after Ireland demanded a “legal text” over the border question as transitional deal negotiations get underway, as Dublin warns the "clock is ticking".

Barnier meets Davis in London ahead of crucial Brexit talks

Michel Barnier and David Davis head to Downing Street for crucial Brexit talks.

Michel Barnier and David Davis head to Downing Street for lunch meeting

The clock is now ticking closer to the time when a decision on the future direction is needed

Simon Coveney

A senior Irish government official told the Daily Telegraph: “Like the UK, we have consistently said that it is our preference to resolve these issues through the wider future relationship agreement between the EU and the UK.

“However, in case this is not possible, we must at the same time ensure legal certainty in the withdrawal agreement that reflect the commitments made by the UK in phase one of the negotiations."